These go to 11

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Spinal Tap: One of Britain’s loudest bands.

Kurt Andersen talks with author N.K. Jemisin about writing, politics and her new book “How Long ’til Black Future Month?” Our latest American Icons segment is about “Cross Road Blues,” the song that helped to posthumously popularize — and mythologize — Robert Johnson. And how “This Is Spinal Tap,” which opened 35 years ago this week, helped create the template for other hilarious mockumentaries.

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